Reflect on the prototype:

At first, I was worried that we could not complete our prototype in the limited time; however, everything worked out quickly since we had a detailed plan. For instance, the laser cutter was successful, saving a lot of time. Yet, here is our biggest problem: the convection current was not strong enough to let the figure spin. The main reason may be the weight put on the spinning platform.

To solve this problem, we came up with a solution. Since the weight on the spinning platform came from the figures, we decided to remake the figures into smaller pieces and increase the length of the strings.

In addition, when making the prototype, we also change some parts of the initial plan. Here are the changes:

1. We changed the half-transparent paper into transparent paper (shown in the pictures above ) because we do not have this material provided, and due to the limited time, we do not have time to buy it online.

1. We changed the number of folds from 8 to 16, increasing the rotation probability. This change was made after we tested the first one (with 8 folds), that does not work on the first test.

Although we made some changes, the final prototype came through successfully, except for the spinning platform. The final outcome is not much different from our original plan. At least the outer case and the inner part worked well in this limited time.

 

Feedback from peers:

Candy: “I like your inspiration and concept of combining Chinese culture with ISB elements. However, a thing you should focus on is the convection current. I think you should allow the outer case to be more sealed so that the heat will not flow away.”

Judy: “I suggest increasing the thermal energy below so that there would be more convection pushing the air. I would also suggest maybe opening the top of the lantern or make a little more opened area on the top so that cold air can actually flow in, helping the convection to be completed.”

Lily: “A positive is that your plan was similarly applied to the real product. However, because it failed to spin, I suggest you to use lighter-weight materials so that it is easier to be moved. ”

Sophie: “Some design feedback or wonderings I have is that maybe a change in the material should be reconsidered. Also, if it really has worked, when the candle is lit, would it damage the plastic and wood around the sides? If so, is this product reusable? With paper, wood, and plastic around the flame, how would it be safe for your users, especially since the purpose is to help reduce stress?”

Answer to Sophie’s question:

We glued the candle holders away from the outer case, which means candles will not damage the plastic and wood around the sides when it is lit. It is also reusable since we intentionally made holders, which are not only for safety but also to replace old candles with new ones when they are burnt out. Finally, taking safety into consideration, our targetted audience should be safe working with fire,; therefore we set our targetted audience as middle schoolers and above when we were planning to make this product.

Summary of Ideas: 

1. Reduce the weight of the material attached to the spinning platform (same as our idea).
2. Fewer think that we should open the lid to make a stronger convection current, whereas others suggest that we should seal the lid.

 

As a result, here are the changes we would make to refine our final prototype if time allows:

1. Re-print the dragon figures and make them smaller and lighter. In addition, to stimulate convection more efficiently, we also decided to increase the length of the string.
2. Open the lid by removing the transparent paper on top since we learned that cold air should also be involved to form a strong convection current. This change allows the cold air to interact with hot air to create stronger convection currents.